A Comprehensive Guide to Button and Coin Cell Batteries

Button batteries and coin cells batteries are small, round batteries commonly used in electronic devices that require compact power sources. These batteries come in various sizes and voltages, typically ranging from 1.5 to 3 volts. Their distinctive shape and compact form make them ideal for powering small electronics like watches, hearing aids and remote controls.

Difference Between Button Battery and Coin Battery

While the terms "button battery" and "coin cell batteries" are often used interchangeably, there are subtle differences.

• Shape and Size:

  • Button Battery: Small, flat, and disc-shaped; varies in size.
  • Coin Battery: Larger and thicker, resembling a coin.

• Usage:

  • Button Battery: Common in watches, calculators, and remote controls.
  • Coin Battery: Used in cameras, medical devices, and some toys.

• Chemistry:

  • Button Battery: Made from alkaline, lithium, or silver oxide.
  • Coin Battery: Usually lithium for higher energy density.

Despite these minor distinctions, both types of batteries share the same fundamental principle of providing a compact and reliable power source for various electronic devices.

Button batteries and coin cells are found in a wide array of devices, powering essential functions in various applications. Here are some common uses for these compact power sources:

• Household Items: Many household items rely on button batteries for their operation, including remote controls, toys, calculators, key fobs and even some kitchen scales.
• Personal Items: Due to their compact sizes and long lifespan, button and coin cell batteries are commonly found in personal items such as watches, fitness trackers and even some jewellery.
• Medical Devices: For reliable performance and longevity, specialised button batteries are crucial components in various medical devices, including pacemakers, hearing aids and glucose monitors.
• Specialised Devices: Beyond common household and personal items, button batteries and coin cells power a range of specialised devices, including security systems, scientific instruments and industrial equipment.

In Australia, particularly in remote locations where access to traditional power sources may be limited, button batteries and coin cells play a crucial role in powering essential devices and communication technologies.

Button batteries and coin cells are available in various chemistries, each with unique characteristics and suitable for different applications. Here are some of the common types:

Alkaline Manganese Dioxide

Affordable and widely available, alkaline manganese dioxide button batteries are a popular choice for low-drain devices like remote controls, toys and calculators. These batteries offer a stable 1.5-volt output and are readily accessible in various sizes. Common models include LR44, LR41 and AG13.

Lithium Manganese Dioxide

If you need a long-lasting and energy-dense power source, lithium manganese dioxide button batteries are an excellent option. With a stable 3-volt output, these batteries are commonly found in car key fobs, computer motherboards and various small electronics. CR2032, CR2025 and CR2016 are some of the widely used models in this category.

Silver Oxide

When high capacity and a long lifespan are paramount, silver oxide button batteries deliver. These batteries provide a stable 1.55-volt output and are often used in watches, hearing aids and other small devices that demand reliability. Common models include SR626SW, SR44 and SR41.

Zinc-Carbon

Zinc-carbon button batteries offer a cost-effective solution for low-drain devices like clocks and calculators. While providing a 1.5-volt output, these batteries generally have a shorter shelf life compared to other chemistries, making them suitable for devices with infrequent use. Common models include AG0, AG1, and AG3.

Whether you’re looking for reliable and long-lasting button battery and coin cell types — or even cable types and lock nut types — choosing a reputable brand is essential. RS Australia partners with industry leaders like Panasonic, Duracell and Energizer to offer a wide selection of high-quality batteries for various applications. These brands are known for their commitment to quality, performance and safety, ensuring your devices are powered reliably.

While button batteries and coin cells are essential for powering many devices, it's crucial to be aware of the safety risks they pose, especially to young children. Their small size makes them a choking hazard, and if swallowed or inserted into body openings, they can cause severe chemical burns and internal injuries.

Additionally, damaged batteries can leak chemicals, posing a further risk of burns or poisoning. In Australia, these risks have led to numerous hospitalisations, with roughly 20 children presented to emergency departments each week suspected of button battery ingestion or insertion.

To address these dangers, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has implemented mandatory safety standards for button batteries and products containing them. These standards include:

• Child-resistant Packaging: All button batteries sold separately must be in child-resistant packaging that is difficult for young children to open.
• Product Safety Testing: Devices containing button batteries must undergo testing to ensure that battery compartments are secure and resistant to being opened by children.
• Warning Labels: Products with button batteries must display clear warnings about ingestion risks and safe handling.

Australia is one of the few countries with comprehensive legislation to protect consumers from button battery risks. These standards aim to reduce the incidence of childhood injuries and fatalities associated with these small — but potentially hazardous — power sources.

In Australia, responsible disposal of button batteries and coin cells is crucial. These batteries should never be thrown in your regular household waste, as they contain chemicals that can harm the environment and wildlife if they end up in landfills. To prevent leakage or short-circuiting during disposal, always place button batteries in secure packaging and cover the terminals with non-conductive tape, such as masking tape. This helps reduce the risk of environmental contamination and ensures the batteries are safely recycled.

Safe Disposal Options

• Battery Recycling Drop-off Points:

  • The Australian Battery Recycling Initiative (ABRI) website helps you locate drop-off points for button batteries and provides safe disposal guides.
  • Many Australian communities also have designated collection points, often located at major retailers like Australia Post, Officeworks and ALDI.
  • Additionally, online resources like Planet Ark offer tools to find nearby recycling drop-off locations.

• Local Council E-Waste Collection Programmes:

  • Many local councils across Australia offer convenient options for e-waste disposal, including button batteries. Check your council's website or contact them directly to learn about drop-off locations, scheduled collection events and specific guidelines for your area.